Global Olympian community to gather in Lausanne

9 | 4 | 2019

Up to 150 Olympians from 110 National Olympians Associations (NOAs) will attend the World Olympians Forum, WOA has announced today as the agenda for the Forum is revealed.

Under the theme Olympians for Life, the Forum will highlight the important role of Olympians as ambassadors at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY will be joined by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach OLY and IOC Athletes’ Commission Vice-Chair Danka Barteková OLY at the global event.

“As we continue to build towards the World Olympians Forum I am delighted at the enthusiastic response we have had from Olympians and National Olympians Associations around the world,” said WOA President, Jöel Bouzou OLY. “With one week to go we are at full capacity with up to 150 Olympians from over 110 NOAs set to join us in Lausanne.  

“As torchbearers of the Olympic Movement and a vital, living legacy of the Games, it is important that Olympians remain connected and feel valued. I very much look forward to engaging with them on the issues that matter most to Olympians.”

Following feedback from participants as part of a survey by WOA, the Forum will focus on key areas such as strengthening the capabilities of NOAs, celebrating Olympians and highlighting their vital role as representatives of the Olympic ideals.

The Olympians present will be involved in workshops, a Grants Challenge and sessions aimed at upskilling and providing the tools necessary for them to become effective NOA leaders who are ambassadors of the Olympic Movement and have the skills to support the needs of Olympians at all stages of their lives.

You can view the full programme HERE

The Forum will also feature a joint session with the IOC 9^th International Athletes’ Forum – which runs from 13-15 April. The joint session will take place on Monday 15 April and will see athlete representatives and Olympians from across the Olympic Movement come together to build a unified and effective network for future cooperation.

The joint session is part of a collaboration between WOA and the IOC Athletes’ Commission to work in partnership on Olympian and athlete welfare, development and engagement.

President Bouzou added:

“I am pleased to welcome the involvement of IOC President Thomas Bach, who will make an invaluable contribution to our discussions, further underlining the strength of our partnership with the IOC and underpinning our shared strategic priority, under Agenda 2020, to engage with the athletes at the heart of the Olympic Games.

“We are particularly excited about our joint session alongside the 9^th International Athletes’ Forum and we have been working closely with the IOC Athletes’ Commission on developing the joint day that will allow us to better connect and support Olympians and athletes in the future.”